Climate change in Ireland may lead to lower temperatures

which could decrease by 30 per cent in the coming years. There is also some risk – but categorised as ‘low’ – it will collapse completely. Ireland would then face sub-Arctic winters. Rivers would freeze and harbours and airports could become icebound on a regular basis, disrupting the operation of ground and air transportation.”

The Gulf Stream is part of from land-based activities, can lead to eutrophication and adversely impact marine life. The oceans provide 50 per cent of the oxygen we breathe. They are a critical element of the global climate system in their role to regulate atmospheric processes and for distributing heat, salt, and organisms. This research shows the impact of climate change is already evident in Irish marine waters with patterns of harmful algal blooms changing. The ocean off the southwest coast will likely become warmer and less salty by the year 2035,” he warns.

BY MAL ROGERS

IRELAND is likely to see a cooling of temperatures due to the weakening of the Gulf Stream, a report published by the Marine Institute has found.

The key components in the research released last week were: n There have been sea-level rises of between 2-3 mm per annum since the 1990s n A rise of ~0.5C in sea surface temperatures on Ireland’s north coast over the past ten years. n Identification of surface water acidification and yearround presence of harmful algal species

One of the most significant findings was a weakening

Gulf Stream that could lead to a drop in temperatures.

The Gulf Stream, a strong ocean current that brings warm water from the Gulf of Mexico into the Atlantic Ocean, keeps Ireland relatively warm in the winter, given its northerly latitude. Ireland, which lies on the same latitude as Labrador, has a significantly more equitable climate. Dr Gerard